Identifying a Problem
Healthcare in the United States continues to strive to meet the goal of early detection of disease and illness. The purpose for early detection through any screening program is to detect diseases and identify risk factors connected with the disease, with the end result focusing on preventive care. The method of preventative screening for disease has demonstrated the ability to save lives, as well as decrease the costs of healthcare (Backer, Geske, McIlvain, Dodendorf, & Minier, 2005). A population health issue of concern is the contracting and spreading of the Human Papillomavirus, also known as HPV. HPV is a virus that is contracted sexually through skin to skin contact and is known for its role in being a causative agent in cervical cancer among women of all ages (CDC, 2013). The concern with HPV is that the disease does not focus on one particular age group, however, the prevention of the disease is focused on teenagers both male and female between ages 11-12. According to the CDC, HPV infects roughly 20 million people in the U.S. with approximately 6.2 million new cases each year (CDC, 2013). In order for a population health concern to be improved, there should first be programs that focus on the health concern. Two advocacy programs focused on the teaching and prevention of HPV are the 3 For Me program and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC). The 3 For Me program focuses on the teenage population and is a free and confidential program. This program centers on the series of three vaccinations needed in the prevention of HPV. What assists in making this program effective is the ease of scheduling an appointment, no cost, and total confidentiality, including parents. Many teenagers do not feel comfortable talking to their parents regarding sexual issues for the fear of getting in trouble or embarrassment. This program allows young teens to prove responsibility and safety at the
References: 3 For Me. (n.d.). https://www.3formephilly.org/about/ Backer, E., Geske, J., McIlvain, H., Dodendorf, D., & Minier, W. (2005). Improving female preventive health care delivery through practice change: An Every Woman Matters study. Journal of the American Board of Family Practice, 18(5), 401–408. Begley, A. (2010). On being a good nurse: Reflections on the past and preparing for the future. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 16((6), 525-532. http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1111/j.1440-172X.2010.01878.x Chen, E. J. (2012). Equal Protection: Why the HPV Vaccine should be mandated for Both Boys and Girls. Washington University Journal of Law and Policy, 38, 290-324. Retrieved from National Cervical Cancer Coalition. (n.d.). http://www.nccc-online.org/index.php/about Ohlheiser, A. (2013). Why are Parents Increasingly fearful of the HPV Vaccine Even Thought it is Safe? Retrieved from http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/03/18/hpv_vaccine_side_effects_pediatrics_study_finds_increasing_number_of_parents.html American Nurses Association (ANA) http://www.nursingworld.org/Mobile/Code-of-Ethics/provision-7.html. (n.d.). http://www.nursingworld.org/Mobile/Code-of-Ethics/provision-7.html